Stay safe around farm equipment

Falls from tractors or trailing equipment can lead to serious injury and death on farms and ranches. Prevent falls from machinery by adopting these basic practices from the National Safety Council:

• Wear shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles and heels.
• Keep platforms, foot plates and steps clear of mud, snow, manure and other debris.
• Before moving, check the tractor and trailing equipment to ensure no one has climbed aboard without your knowledge.
• Remove tools or other items that may cause a tripping hazard from the operator platform.
  Never allow anyone to ride on the drawbar or towed machinery.
• Insist that no one ride on farm equipment except those required for equipment operation, instruction or diagnostics.
• Reduce speed on rough, uneven or hilly ground.
• Watch for obstacles.
• Wait for the tractor to stop before getting off. Set brakes and step down using handholds or rails.
• No one should jump off a moving tractor.
• Whenever possible, equip tractors with a rollover protective structure cab. They are more comfortable, give overhead protection and prevent falls.